China and the European Union (EU) should focus on mutual interest and leave differences aside to tackle the global financial crisis, the Chinese Ambassador to Germany said yesterday.

"China and the EU should jointly combat trade protectionism and further cooperate during this difficult period," Ma Canrong said.

The last year witnessed some unpleasant experiences between China and the EU, including the Olympic torch relay's disruptive journey in Europe and French President Nicolas Sarkozy's meeting with the Dalai Lama.

With the financial turmoil threatening to damage Europe and China, Ma said he thought seeking cooperation and development would be key to bilateral ties for the year. "Mutual interest is more essential now," Ma said.

But differences would exist in bilateral relations in the long run. "On the Dalai Lama issue, Europeans have not realized his utmost intention of separating (Tibet from) China," Ma said, adding that some politicians are using the issue to pressure China, because they are worried about China's increasing international status.

(China Daily March 5, 2009)